What a difference 24 hours makes. Yesterday weren’t we just predicting the end of Novak Djokovic and the full-on ascent of the mighty King of Clay, Rafael Nadal? And then today, how quickly things change.

This afternoon in Monte Carlo, Grigor Dimitrov proved the critics wrong, myself included, and showed why the 21-year-old is worth of the that Future of Tennis billing, stretching a misfiring Rafa to three sets in a tough 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win for the Spaniard.

Nadal cruised early to a 6-2 first set bulge but then the errors really crept in. Dimitrov played blisteringly well, almost Federer-like at times in taking two breaks from the erratic Rafa to stun the crowd and grab the second.

With the tension rising (and Grigor playing on his girlfriend Maria Sharapova’s birthday!), both guys held in the third and even with Rafa still out of sorts, he never let the upstart Bulgarian see a break chance.

Nadal finally broke at 4-4 and served it out for his 45th straight win in Monte Carlo and his 18th in a row this season.

“I know that when you have these tough matches, it is decisive to keep fighting,” said Nadal. “If you keep fighting, you will lose some ones, but you will have a chance to win a lot of ones, too.

“I gave that fight. Finally he had his chance, and I had my one, and I converted. That’s it. I think I played better the last couple of games. Obviously I’m trying to find better rhythm all the time. In my opinion, I did it in the end. It was great.”

Dimitrov, who I doubted had the mettle to pull off such a shocker, still showed me a lot in the loss. And after a string of disappointing defeats to top players, this might have been the best loss of his career.

“It’s a tough loss,” said Dimitrov who turns 22 next month. “Of course, I think I gave everything I had today. I must say, all the credit to him. He’s an extraordinary player, extraordinary fighter. Today he obviously showed why he’s the best not only on that surface, I believe, but he’s one of the best out there.

“Even though I lost the first set, I didn’t lose my composure on court, and that helped me win the second. Eventually when the third started, I felt quite comfortable playing. I actually started rallying with him much more from the baseline, which I think I shouldn’t have done that too much. It’s a good lesson to learn.”

A future Top 10, Top 5 for Grigor? Why not. He played some very impressive tennis today and that backhand I said would be a liability really held up well.

Nadal, who appeared very rattled at times, something we hardly ever see from him on a clay court, moves on the meet JW Tsonga tomorrow in the semifinals. Tsonga edged Stan Wawrinka in three sets 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first semifinal in Monte Carlo, and his first at a Masters since 2011.

After a disappointing 2012, under new coach Roger Rasheed perhaps JW is making some real strides this year. Let’s see. Rafa, though, has won seven of their 10 meetings and I think after the scare today, Uncle Toni will have his protege back in form.

“It’s an incredible challenge,” said Tsonga who celebrated his 28th birthday on Wednesday. “He won eight times here. Anything I might achieve will be just a bonus for me. I have no longer any pain in my legs because I know I’m going to play a player that’s a lot better than I am on clay. But I do have some weapons. I have everything to win and nothing to lose.”

In the second semifinal tomorrow, it’s top seed Djokovic against the surprising semifinal Fabio Fognini.

Djokovic brushed aside reports of a dislocated bone in his ankle by “elevating” to his game to its highest level of the week, trouncing Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 6-3. It still wasn’t anywhere near Novak’s best performance – he was broken three times – but after all the talk and doubt this week, he and his fans have to feel some modicum of relief with the result.

“It was great,” said Djokovic. “Very solid from the back of the court. Played with the right intensity from the start of the match till the end. That’s a big step forward for me today comparing to the first two matches in every sense. I finally got a great feel on the clay. Hopefully I can maintain that level tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Faux-nini reached his first career Masters semifinal by dashing the hopes of Frenchmen Richard Gasquet 7-6, 6-2. I had said yesterday that with Djokovic a question mark, what a great opportunity this was for Gasquet. But once again Richard disappoints.

That said all credit to the Italian drama king. He played pretty well today and at 25 maybe he’s got a big run in him.

“This is one of the best performances ever for me,” continued the Italian. “It’s my first semifinal at a Masters 1000. I have another opportunity to play with a great player here in the center court in front of so many people, special friends and family.”

Fognini and Djokovic have four times and the Serb has won all of them (recall they missed that French Open QF from a few years ago). So if the ankle isn’t a concern – it doesn’t seem to be based on today’s performance – Novak should get through.

“I played another time I think a really good match with a fantastic player,” said Fognini. “I mean, he is Top 10 and has won so many tournaments. Now I just have to say I’m really happy. It’s my first semi-final in Monte Carlo, my home. I’m so happy.”

So any chance we won’t get our dream final? If Novak’s ankle is in bad shape, Fognini is quite the shotmaker and after finally beating some top players, I actually think he could do it. But that’s only if Djokovic’s injury is an issue.

“I have to be prepared for quality rallies,” said Djokovic. “He’s a player who has won against some top players here, a player who feels good. He is going to have nothing to lose and will be motivated to play well in front of his Italian supporters that are many here.”

As for Rafa, Tsonga has beaten him before and he has no fear of the big stage. Plus, few guys can red-line like the Frenchman. But I still have to think Rafa and his team will get his game in order following today’s dangerous duel.

Tennis Channel will have live coverage of both semifinals starting at 7am ET with Rafa the 10am with Novak.

Its been a great week at MC,some fantastic matches,and some shock results,Grigor has had a stellar weekmade a breakthrough beating some very talented players,im sure he is destined for great things,but the star of the week for me has been the lovely Fabio especially after today when he beat Gasquet and Berdych earlier in the week so comprehensivly,the delight and the smile on his face was an absolute joy to behold,whatever happens tomorrow against Nole hes had a tournament to be proud of,well done Fabio :-))..

dimitrov has been playing well for a while and has a great serve. but let’s be real too. nadal was spraying the ball and looking ordinary for the whole middle portion of the match. around a 2:1 error ratio from what i recall. many top 20 players in form could have taken it to three and made it close under those circumstances.

Baby Federer played the match of his life and came very near to dislodging the Mighty Nadal in Monte Carlo. I never thought that this match would be such a dog’s fight. What I anticipated was an easy two setter for Rafa. But Dmitrov proved me wrong and showed the way to other players that if you play your heart out you still have a change against the likes of invincible Rafa. Now Tsonga is in the semis and he is playing swashbuckling Tennis and I think if he plays to his strength he can give nightmares to Nadal even in this court. I expect a tough three setter but I expect Nadal to be through to the finals. As regards Novak, he is slowly getting to his groove but I am not sure about his physical fitness. If there is a man who can upset Nadal in Clay courts, it can only be Novak. He has the game, temperament and endurable will to conquer Rafa. He has proved that before and he is capable of proving it again. Only that he needs to execute his best Tennis that he is known for. I eagerly anticipate a Novak Vs Rafa final which could be very interesting and I hope that it doesn’t end like last year without a whimper of fight.

I don’t know why everyone is so excited about Dimitrov giving a fight to Nadal? They played in 2009 too and that time too it was a very close affair(although it was on hardcourt) with Nadal winning 7-5,3-6,6-2. If I remember correctly Dimitrov had his chances in first set and could have won that match in straight sets. The point is Dimitrov always had the potential but until now he hasn’t shown that he can actually do it. And the way he was cramping after just 2 hours of play yesterday I can’t see him doing any better.

“The point is Dimitrov always had the potential but until now he hasn’t shown that he can actually do it.”

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Thank you for stating the obvious.

For all the positive comments, the unfortunate reality is: he lost. This trend to declare a close loss a transformative moment in a career needs to stop, imo. Beating Rafa in Monte Carlo would have been a transformative point in Dimitrov’s career. Losing to him in 3 sets is not.

Dimitrov lost his composure dismally this year when playing Rafa, Nole, Murray. He could have beaten all of them, instead he lost to all of them. No question, he has the game but let’s be honest: in this era, he is no spring chicken. He will be 22 soon. At his age, Federer had already dispatched Sampras at his temple, Wimbledon. That was a prestige win. ALL OF THE CURRENT GREATS HAD SUCH PRESTIGE WINS early on in their careers. Dimitrov has not managed a single one yet.And what’s he supposed to console himself with? That he came close……..oh, and that this time he cramped in the 3rd rather than the 2nd set.

Jeez……..

Baby Fed needs to take a good look at his diet. This constant cramping in the 2nd and/or 3rd sets of matches is not just a fitness issue, although it is in the mix: hydration/electrolytes balance, and all that.

As Fedfans are oh so fond of reminding us: greatness is defined by how many Slams you win and until he shows he CAN compete over 5 sets, Dimitrov has no business being regarded as a contender.

Yes fitness is an issue, but I think Dimitrov needs to work on conserving energy.

The problem with the Nadal match is Demitrov chased down to meany balls. He also lunges for the ball like crazy sometimes- looks painful. Yes he needs to get more fit, he also needs to learn how to use his energy more efficiently IMO.

You can always count on Jo Willy to play 1 or 2 brainfart points in a TB. Nadal was always going to win. However, he’s not looking so invincible as usual these last two matches. Now let’s see how Nole deals with these windy conditions.

An intentional UE is when you really go
for the shot and miss. You risk consciously.

What Tsonga did was bizarre mistakes. Go for a change in direction BH not in position instead of going cross court deep and then another bizarre BH slice as ig he was out of position again or not with the right footing. Thise 2 points in a row killed any momentum he had and Nadal playing to his BH payed off.

Theee was another stat that Tsonga was winnig none second serve at all. And those were 2 second serves points.

” Remember! they won! you just watched” that is what I am reminded whenever I see fans celebrating. Ofcourse I am guilty of doing that too at times. [specfically when I watch Roger/pats/celtics/red sox/american olympics team do well]

Brando. I posted on another thread that Neil Harman is doing a stint on Rafa entitled “10 years of Rafael Nadal power” which will be published in the Sunday Times tomorrow. I am sure you are interested.

Brando, Fabio played a poor first set at IW versus Nole too, and then he turned it on and won set 2 and made set 3 somewhat competitive. I expected similar from him today, but he wasn’t able to bring it for whatever reason.

At least Nole served well and defended points from last year,so trying to see the bright side.

I agree Brando it was a match if you can call it that was very unenspiring,i was looking forward to an open and cracking contest after Fabios wins against Berdych and Gasquet,its not Novaks fault but Fabio didnt seem to care if he was there or not,surely if you are going to get beaten at least make it a contest the way Jo did against Rafa,and Dimitrov did yesterday.

I am pretty sure Nole has to do something with not allowing Fognini to play the game that suits him as Berdych and Gasquet did. Once Fognini realized that Nole is not dropping his guard, Fognini dropped his, as simple as that, but I can understand disapointment of some people. At the end of the day Fognini is #30…something and Nole is #1, that is the difference.

Brando the draw was much tougher originally, with Delpo, Berd, Reeshard – all of whom can play quite well on clay – and if they had all come through I honestly don’t know if Nole would have done so. But they all lost. Actually I thought Youz gave the toughest test to Nole in some ways, but they always have had tight matches. I don’t really know what to expect tomorrow: could be a wash out like last year, could be a good match. Hoping for the latter of course. But either way, I am pleased with Nole defending his points, regardless of who he played to do so. He came through who was in front of him. It’s all he can do.

I am watching it again now, from the word go Nole was sharp and focused and didn’t drop focus a tiny bit, on the contrary, as match was progressing he was tightening the screw. Fognini just couldn’t keep up. Nole’s serve was accurate, return was deep and coming back with interest to Fognini and most importantly he kept pressure on Fognini by moving him from one corner to another without let down.
Fognini probably was thinking, it is OK, I made SF, my home town,San Remo, is only half an hour away from MC so I might as well go home and celebrate with a good wine and Italian food:) He is lucky he is not from southern part of Italy, they wouldn’t let him come back home. Northerners are placid people.

On the bright side, looked like Novak served well. 70% first serves in, 3 aces, no doubles. He’s done worse.

Didn’t see the match though. Sounds like both went about as expected as possible. Assuming both are fit, should be a good match. They played a close one here back in 2009 that went 3.

Can’t be worse than last year, either. I feel like after beating Nadal so many times, considering beat him once takes such a tremendous effort, Djokovic was just mentally spent while facing him and didn’t bother fighting. And after having lost so many times and getting to play him in his absolute favorite domain, Nadal amped up the intensity to its max and showed Djokovic who’s boss [on clay]. But then the matches got progressively better in Rome and Paris. So I’d expect Novak to put up a good fight tomorrow and the match to resemble 09 more than last year.

But this is even more interesting given the circumstances. Wonder how Nole feels going into this match after Rafa’s long layoff. Relishing opportunity? Or worried about maintaining any semblance of control? I think Nadal is licking his chops for sure.

nadalista, yes the surface and altitude transition was part of it, though I do think he was being cautious at first in his movements (due to the sprain). I have missed Rafa’s matches because they’ve all been at 4:00 am or earlier my time, but it looks like he played well today.

I don’t expect Nole to win; he hasn’t in his other 2 tries here. But I am proud of him for reaching the final. Ajde Nole!

You were wrong for two things:
1. It’s King of Clay against King of Tennis.
2. Fabio will never be relevant anywhere.

Who r u calling King of Tennis? The Serb? Ha ha…great joke. I think u meant current #1? Are u trying to undermine Fed and Nadal’s achievements? The Serb has a loooong way to go before he takes over the tennis thorone. So please do not call him King of Tennis cuz HE IS NOT.

Well, one cannot control the weather, whatever happens in that respect, happens. I just hope it does not rain so the court turns into a muddy bog. That would be a shame, for both players and spectators alike. These 2 can put on some sumptuous rallies but the conditions have to be right for that and we do want to be entertained!

IF anything- i think Rafa is welcoming this challenge and look’s forward to it greatly.

- he has played Novak more than anyone, so he knows what he can do
- he knows what works against him since he has beat him more than anyone
- he knows what to do at MC v Novak
- he knows what he himself is capable of on clay

Rafa, if you think about it, has been lucky to have been tested and faced arguably the better opponent’s in the last 2 matches, DIMITROV and TSONGA, than Novak has.

Certainly the challenge they poised tested him alot more than anything NIEMENEN or FOGNINI would have presented.

RT @NeilHarmanTimes: “Nadal, asked which was the most memorable of his matches against Djokovic, chooses the 2012 Australian final [which he lost] ”

If Rafa is referencing THAT bruising encounter, then it tells me he is expecting a bruiser, and the fact that he says it was the most memorable of his matches with Novak (in spite of losing) tells me that loss is etched somewhere he wants erased…….

Stop talking about serbians. Your hatred for nole/Serbians is obvious and it is ruining this site.

[it's not me saying it, just a matter of time before the "gang" is informed of your post and they start circling around you like a pack of hyenas! then again, maybe not you have a good amount of rafa fans around so, the "gang" will find it hard to corner you!]

I am not feeling too good about my game. To be honest, I would rather not face the Egg Lover tomorrow. My long lost nightmares about him are slowly coming back. But it is still clay, and I am still the King.

DA, you must’ve meant to put up this one, in which Nole’s career stats on hard courts top Agassi and Sampras’ not to mention Lavers and J-Mac’s. Only Fed,Lendl and Connors have higher career indexes atm.

Alok/scoretracker/von /whoever/whatever
Now that’s just naughty porky pies and you should be ashamed.
BTW Have never “spewed venon” about any player current or retired. Lol have u been taking lessons in hyperbole? Dislike some players’ styles of course but restrict “spewing hatred” lol can hardly type that phrase for laughing, for Pol Pot/Hiter/Idi Amin etc etc
Did your “conversion” take place on the road to Damascus btw like St Paul?

@ the DA
Shhhhhh, I cannot tell…..I will be struck down…rendered dumb…forced to admit to unspeakable things…..it’s the very dark side….oh go on then. it’s tennistalk!
If u pop over be sure to chat to zare, my good “virtual” friend and Nole supporter on there.

BadaBing just saw your question @ 1:52 – I don’t know the answer though, of course. However, the strange thing is that some of those posters whom you mention use the same phrases, like “spew venom”, “cast aspersions”, “drip drip drip” “little gang” “back scratcher” “panties in a knot” “grandma” etc. Not sure why. 0_o

Sampras is by far the greatest indoor/fast court player. Stats be damned!

Mc Enroe was better than Pistol Pete in indoor conditions.
McEnroe won 51 indoor titles, Sampras won 23.
Mc Enroe won 3 Masters and 5 WCT Finals.
Sampras won 5 Masters and 2 Grand Slam Cup.
Mc Enroe has the best carpet court career match winning percentage: 84.18% (411–65) of any player.
Sampras has 77% in carpet.
For quality and quantity, the Brat is the best player in the open era in indoor conditions.